Bandhs in Jharkhand affect normal life

A 24-hour Jharkhand bandh - fourth in eight days - called by anti-domicile groups began on Friday morning, even as normal life remained paralysed in the state.

Business establishments remained closed for the third consecutive day and people preferred to stay indoors fearing trouble in the wake of Wednesday's violence during a bandh called by pro-domicile groups.

Anti-domicile groups took out a torch light procession on Thursday night, the police control room in Ranchi said, adding that some preventive arrests were made.

Educational institutions remained closed and government offices registered thin attendance.

Twelve more companies of para-military forces have been deployed in the state for Friday's bandh.

Chief Minister Babulal Marandi on Thursday said there was nothing wrong with his government's domicile policy.

Marandi has come under attack from both within his Cabinet and the opposition for his decision to give priority in government jobs to domiciled Jharkhandis.

Though he has clarified that this would apply only to Class III and IV grade jobs, the decision has divided the state.

Marandi is now under intense pressure from his ally -- the Samata Party to review the decision. Two former chief ministers of Bihar -- Laloo Prasad Yadav and Jagananth Mishra -- have also criticised his decision.